Raye-gun and Willard follow up

Some of you responded to my last post by writing that running back Frank Gore can play in any offensive system. I wrote Wednesday that the 49ers should seriously consider becoming more of a shotgun team and complementing it with more of a zone run game. I wrote that Gore excelled last year in the gap running game, which entails the offensive line blocking specified players on defense and typically involves pulling a guard.

By saying that Gore excelled in the gap run game, doesn’t mean he can’t be a zone runner. I agree with those who wrote that Gore could play in any system. He’s the complete back with his run, catch and pass-protecting abilities. I meant to emphasize that the 49ers line isn’t set up for zone blocking. The line might be too big and not athletic enough for a zone run scheme

Also, with the 49ers version of the shotgun or Raye-gun, the 49ers are unique among NFL offenses. Their best formation last year was their two-receiver, two-tight end, one-back set, with one or both of the tight ends spread out. The defense then has to make a decision whether to bring in an extra defensive back to contend with Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker or to try and cover those guys with linebackers.

If the defense goes with extra defensive backs, the 49ers could run it, should the defense stay with linebackers, they could throw. The team did that last year and with more work on that formation in training camp, they could become more effective with it this season. With this team, I wouldn’t advocate for a shotgun with four receivers and a running back.

Additionally, Davis makes this team such a headache for defenses. Even with a standard pro set – two backs, a tight end a two receivers – Davis allows Alex Smith to turn that into a passing set by putting Davis in the slot as a receiver and going to a shotgun.

The 49ers could augment their pro-set shotgun and their three-receiver shotgun with a pass-catching fullback and a quick slot receiver; players they could acquire in mid and even late rounds. Virginia fullback Rashawn Jackson is a 243-pound thumper, who looked terrific in the Senior Bowl as a lead blocker and receiver. Scat backs include Cincinnati’s Mardy Gilyard, Mississippi’s Dexter McCluster and SMU’s Emmanual Sanders, who all have return abilities. If the team wanted to go with a more high profile player who could also help them at running back, there’s the gold standard – Clemson’s C.J. Spiller, a sure-fire first-rounder.

As far as pressure and sacks are concerned, the shotgun actually helps a quarterback evade pressure because he can better see where the rush is coming from and the shotgun gives him an extra half tick to get rid of the ball. Last year with more shotgun snaps than the year before, the 49ers passed 19 more times than in 2008 and gave up 15 fewer sacks with essentially the same line.

WILLARD RESPONDS: On Monday, I printed a letter from Scott Willard who made a strong argument advocating for his dad, Ken Willard, as a Hall of Fame candidate. Willard played for the 49ers from 1965 to 1973, was named to the Pro Bowl four times, and teamed with quarterback John Brodie to give the 49ers a potent 1-2 offensive punch.

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Scott wrote the note on his father’s behalf without his dad’s knowledge. He then showed him Monday’s post. Here’s Ken’s response:

“Scott, I’m touched and, as you said, embarrassed, because I’ve never allowed myself to think of putting myself in the HOF category. It has only been a dream and one that I would always keep to myself. It is enough that you would care to write such an article. Thanks for thinking that I could deserve such an honor. I was a plugger and evidently had some talent. I’ll leave it to the pundits to assess my career. I am comfortable with myself and what I did. I only care about what you think of me as a father. The rest is all a bonus. I love you for the thought. Dad”